By Vince Gasparini
syracuse.com
AUBURN, N.Y. — Two prison guards at the Auburn Correctional Facility were brought to the hospital after being exposed to an unknown substance on Friday.
Firefighters responded to the facility at 135 State St. at around 6:10 p.m. after they were told the guards were experiencing symptoms, according to a news release from the Auburn Fire Department.
When firefighters arrived, they were told by staff and other first responders that five guards had been potentially exposed to the substance.
An item suspected of being contaminated and surrounding surfaces were tested. The results were positive for fentanyl in several areas, firefighters said.
Two guards were brought by ambulance to Auburn Community Hospital for further evaluation. Three other guards were evaluated on scene by medical staff.
However, medical experts say touching fentanyl, with or without gloves, or being in a room with it is very unlikely to make anyone sick.
There have been no confirmed reports of emergency responders developing signs or symptoms consistent with opioid toxicity from accidental contact, such as touching or being near fentanyl or other powerful opioids, Dr. Sarah Wakeman, medical director for substance use disorder at Mass General Brigham, told syracuse.com in 2023.
Crews were on scene investigating and carrying out decontamination operations until 7:32 p.m.
The suspected items were handed over to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, firefighters said.
The incident was still under investigation on Friday night.
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